Reamer



V. J. KUBIN June 7, 1932.

BEAMER Filed Aug. 25, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l June 7, 1932. v, J, KUBlN 1,861,702

RRRR ER UWM @4MM/M Patented June 7, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE VAN J'. KUBIN, 0F BREA, GALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR TO OHIKSAN OIL TOOL CO., LIMITED, 0F FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION 0F NEVADA.

BEAMER Application filed August 25, 1930. Serial No. 477,628.

rlfhis invention relates to a well tool and relates more particularly t0 a well reamer. It is a general object of the invention to provide a simple, practical, and effective reamer for use in drilling and reaming a well.

It is an object of the invention to provide a reamer construction that embodies one or more disks or annular cutters surrounding a shank and rotatable in planes tilted relative vto the longitudinal axis of the shank.

Itis another object of the invention to provide a reamer in which annular rotatable cutters are mounted on a shank in tilted positions with reference to the longitudinal axis of the shank so that they are eiiective in operation and are positively caused to rotate during operation so that the wear is evenly distributed along their cutting parts.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved means tor detachably holding or securing a series of annular cutters and spacers between the cutters on a single shank or body.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an improved assembly of a series of angularly disposed cutters and a body in which the cutters are effectively supported for rotation on the body.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a reamer assembly of the character mentioned in which the parts are all simple and inexpensive of manufacture and in which the wear receiving parts are readily replaceable.

It is another object of the invention to provide a single practical and effective means for locking the parts of a well tool in position, for instance, on a shank or body.

Other objects and features of the invention will be best and more Jfully understood from the following detailed description of a typical form and application of the invention, throughout which description refer-ence is had to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 is a longitudinal detailed sectional view of the reamer construction provided by the present invention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal detailed sectional view, being a view taken as indicated by line 2-2 on Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a transverse detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 1. Fig. 4. is a transverse detailed sectional view taken on line 4 4 on Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a. side elevation of a portion of the reamer showing one manner of arranging the cutters on the shank. Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal detailed sectional View of the means for detachably retaining the cutter assembly on the body, being a view of the parts before they are locked together. Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6 illustrating the main retaining sleeve in the retaining position. Fig. 8 `is a view similar to Fig. 6 illustrating the main retaining sleeve locked in position. Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 6 illustrating a secondary locking means in the retainingposition. Figs. 10, 11, and 12' are reduced transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 10*10, 11-11, and 12-12, respectively, on Fig. 9. V

The reamer construction provided by this invention includes, generally, a shank or body 10, a series oi' spaced annular cutters 11 surrounding the body 10 and angularly disposed or tilted with reference to the longitudinal axis of the body, spacers 12 between the cutters 11, and means 13 for retaining or locking the assembly of the cutters 11 and spacers 12 on the body 10. y

The body 10 is provided to carry the cutters 11 and the spacers 12 and is adapted to be interposed into an operating stringV above a drill, or the like. The body 10 is elongated and is provided at its opposite ends with means to facilitate attachment to an operating string. In the particular case illustrated in the drawings the body 10 is provided at one end with a screw threaded socket 14: for the reception of the pin of a tool joint section, or the like, andis provided at its opposite end with a tapered screw threaded pin 15 adapted to be threaded into a socket of a suitable connecting or coupling member. A central longitudinal fluid passage 16 is provided in the body 10. The passage 16 extends completely through the body from one end to the other. An annular radial shoulder 17 is provided on the exterior of the body 10 a short distance from one of its ends. The shoulder 17 pro.

vides an abutment on the body 10 to support the assembly of the critters 11 and the spacers 12 and to prevent longitudinal movement 0I the assembly on the body in one direction.

The body 10 is shaped to effectively support the series of spaced rotatable tilted cutters 11. The exterior of the body 10 is formed so that it effectively supports the tilted cutters for rotation and supports them against inward thrusts during operation. A plurality 0r series of spherically rounded or spheroidal parts 18 are provided on the body 10 to carry the cutters11. There is a plurality of adseries of spherically rounded or spheroidal parts 18 on the exterior of the body 10 having their centers ot curvature spaced longitudinally along the central longitudinal axis ot the body 10. The parts 18 are ot the same diameter and are annular or continuous around the body 10. Where the several cutters 11 are tilted in the same direction, each rounded or spheroidal part 18 carries a critter 11. One end of the series of parts 18 terminates at the shoulder 17 where a semi-spheroidal part 19 joins the shoulder 17. rthere is a substantially semi-spheriodal part 20 at the opposite end of the series of rounded parts 18 and its exterior at the largest point is continuous with the cylindrical end portion 21 oi" the body 10.

The cutters 11 are annular members arranged on the rounded parts 18 to rotate in planes tilted or inclined relative tothe central longitudinal axis of the body 10. The cutters 11, being mounted to rotate in angularly disposed planes, engage the formation at diametrically opposite points so that they are positively caused to rotate on the rounded parts 18 and are effective in cutting or acting on the formation. The several cutters 11 are of the same size and are proportioned to effectively operate or rotate on the rounded parts 18. The peripheries of the cutters 11 are formed to effectively act on the formation. In the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, the opposite sides of the peripheral portions of the critters 11 are beveled so that the critters are'provided at their peripheries with eiiective cutting edges. The critters are adapted to be arranged or slid over the cylindrical portion 21 of the.

body and are positionedon the respective rounded parts 18-by bringing one side into the annular groove or space 22 between two parts 18 and swinging the opposite side over a part 18 into the groove. It will be obvious how the cutters 18 may be individually positioned on the parts 18 by working or swingino` them over the parts 18 in this manner.

lwhen the cutters 11 are in operative position on the body 10 they are diametric of the rounded parts 18. The cutters 11 are preferably arranged so that each cutter has diametrically opposite portions engaging the exterior of a rounded part 18 adjacent its lines of joinder with the two adjoining parts 18. In Figs. 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the drawings I have illustrated a plurality of spaced cutters 11 tilted in the same direction so that they are substantially parallel. In VF ig. 5 of the drawings I have shown an arrangement L where there are two cutters 11 mounted to rotate in planes tilted in one direction relative to the axis of the tool and another cutter is mounted to rotate in a plane tilted in another direction.` against longitudinal movement from the projections 18 and are retained in the proper spaced relation by the spacers 12.

The spacers 12 are arranged between the cutters 11 and space the cutters from the shoulder 17 and the means 13. The spacers 12 are provided to retain the cutters 11 in their proper spaced relation and to rotatably support the cutters against longitudinal movement on the body. The spacers 23 arranged between the several critters 11 are annular members having parallel opposite ends angularly disposed relative to their axes. The opposite ends of the spacers 23 are preferably flat to effectively engage the sides ot the cutters 11. rlhe spacers 23 are'proportioned to be readily slid over the cylindrical portion 11 and the rounded parts 18 and their exteriors are axial relative to the body 10 when they are in operative position between the cutters.

Spacer bearings 24 are provided at the opposite ends of the assembly of cutters 11 and spacers 23. Each of the spacer bearings 24 is provided with an angularly disposed end to support or carry a side of a cutter 11 and an end normal to its axis. The spacer bearing 24 at one end of the assembly of cutters and spacers has its normal end seated against the shoulder 17 while the spacer bearing at the opposite end ot the assembly has its normal endengaged by the .assembly retaining means 13.

In accordance with the invention the spacers 23 and 24 are held against rotation on the body 10. ln the particular form of thel invention shown keys or splines 25 are provided on the spacers 23 and24 to slidably tit longitudinally grooves 26 in the body. There may be two pairs of diametrically opposite splines 25 on each spacer and tour equally spaced grooves 26 in the body so that the spacers may be setin various rotative positions on the body. The grooves 26 may extend the entire length of the cylindrical portion 21 and extendr through the outer or projecting portions of the rounded parts 18 so that the spacers may be passed over the cylindri-V cal portion 25 and arranged onv the rounded parts 18 with their splines 25 seated in the grooves 26 in the parts 18.

It will be obvious that with the assembly of critters 11 and spacers 23 and 24 described above that the several critters 11 may be arranged on the body 10 in various manners.

The cutters 11 are held 'J lll? In Figs. l to 4` inclusive, of the drawings three cutters 11 are arranged on the body 10 to rotate in parallel planes tilted relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. In Fig. 5 there are two sets of cutters 11, one set being mounted to rotate in parallel planes tilted in one direction relative to the axis of rotation of the tool, and the other set, which may consist of one or more cutters mounted to rotate in planes tilted in a different direction relative to the axis of the tool. Various combinations of spacers and cutters may be arranged on the body 10 to provide for the positioning of the cutters 11 in various manners.

The means 13 for detachably retaining or holding the assembly of the cutters 11 and spacers 23 and 24 on the body 10 is provided on the cylindrical end portion 21 of the body. In accordance with the broader principles of the invention any suitable form of detachable retaining means may be provided on the end portion 21 of the body to retain the assembly against the abutment shoulder 17. The improved retaining means 13 illustrated in the drawings includes a main retaining sleeve 30 slidably arranged on the cylindrical portion 21. The upper end of the retaining sleeve 30 is recessed at its inner side so that it is adapted to receive or extend over a sectional or split ring 31 adapted to be arranged in an annular groove 32 in the body portion 21. The ring 31 may be split at diametrically opposite points so that it may be readily positioned in the groove 32, and the sleeve 30 is adapted to extend over the ring 31 to prevent displacement of its sections from the groove 32. rlhe main retaining sleeve 30 is proportioned so that when it is in retaining position against the ring 3l there is an annular space between its end and the end of a spacer bearing 24. A split or sectional ring 33 is arranged in the space between the end of the sleeve 30 and the spacer 24 to retain the sleeve 30 in retaining engagement with the split ring 31. y v

The retaining sleeve 30 is provided with a reduced portion which carries an inner sleeve 34 and an outer sleeve 35. The sleeves 34 and 35 are slidable on the reduced portion of the main retaining sleeve 30 and the sleeve 34 is adapted to be arranged in a position where it projects beyond the end of the sleeve 30 to extend over the split ring 33. The inner sleeve 34 is operable to prevent displacement of the sections of the ring 33. A split spring ring 36 is provided to detachably hold the inner sleeve 34 in position where it prevents displacement of the ring 33. The spring ring 36 is split so that it is adapted to be sprung over the main sleeve 30 and to tightly seat in an annular groove 37 at the end of the inner sleeve 34. The split ring 36 engages the end of the inner sleeve 34 to retain it in the holding position. The outer sleeve 35 is adapted to be arranged over the spring ring 36 to positively retain the ring 36 in the groove 37. A second spring ring 38 is provided to detachably lock the outer sleeve 35 in the retaining position. The ring 38 is split so that it is adapted to be arranged over the main reor rotatable cutters l1 are particularlyY efective in acting upon the formation. The cutters being freely rotatable and being annular, wear evenly and may be operated for long periods without replacement. The cutters 11 are mounted to rotate in planes tilted relative to the axis of rotation of the reamer so that their diametrically opposite portions project considerable distances from the tool to act on the formation and to positively cause rotation of the cutters. bear directly inwardly against the rounded parts 18 which are effective in rotatably supporting the cutters. The end thrusts during operation are taken by the spacers 23 and 24 which have fiat ends engaging against the flat sides of the cutters to effectively support the cutters. The body 1() is a simple unitary member and embodies the rounded bearing parts 18 for radially supporting the rotatable cutters 11. The assembly of the spacers 23 and 24 and the cutters 11 may be easily and quickly removed from the body for repair and replacement. The means 13 provides for positively holding the assembly of the cutters and spacers on the body and is adapted to be released to permit the removal of the assembly from the body. The principal wearing parts, namely, the cutters 11 and the spacers 23 and 24, are of simple formation and are of particularly sturdy construction.

Having described only a typical preferred form of my invention, I do not wish to limit myself to the specific details set forth, but wish to reserve to myself any changes or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims: Y i

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. A well tool of the character described including, a vertical body, and an annularl cutter surrounding the body and directly mounted on the body to rotate in a plane inclined relative to the vertical axis of the body.

2. A well tool of the character described including, an elongated vertical body, a plurality of vertically spaced cutters sur- The cutters lio rounding the body and mounted directly on i 8. A well tool of the character described including, an elongated vertical body, a plurality of vertically spaced cutters surrounding the body and mounted directly on the body to rotate in planes inclined relative to the vertical axis of the body, and spacers between the cutters, the cutters and spacers being detachable from the body.

4:. A well tool of the character described including, a body having a plurality of contiguous spherically rounded parts, and cutters mounted on the rounded parts to rotate in planes tilted relative to the axis of the body.

5. A well tool of the character described including, a body having a plurality of contiguous spherically rounded parts, cutters mounted directly on the rounded parts to rotate in'planes tilted relative to the axis of the body, and spacers between the cutters.

6. A well tool of the character described including, a body having a plurality of ccntiguous spherically rounded parts, cutters surrounded the body and mounted on the rounded parts to rotate in planes tilted relative to the axis of the body, spacers between the cutters, and means holding the spacers against rotation.

7. A well tool of the character c escribed including, a body, a series of spherically rounded parts on the body, and cutters surrounding the rounded parts and diametric of the rounded parts to rotate in plane-s tilted relative to the axis of the body.

8. A well tool of the character described including, a body, a plurality of annular cutters surrounding the body and rotatable in planes tilted relative to the axis of the body, spacers between the cutters, and means for detachably retaining the cutters and spacers on the body, said means including sleeve slidable on the body, a sectional ring adapted t0 be assembled in a groove in the body to project from the groove to engage the sleeve and hold it against longitudinal movement in one direction, anda ring adapted to be arranged on the body between the assembly of the cutters and spacers and the sleeve to held the sleeve against the sectional ring and against longitudinal movements in the other direction.

9. A well tool of the character described including, a body, a plurality of annular cutters surrounding the Vbody and rotatable in planes tilted relative to tlie axis of the body,

spacers between the cutters, and means for detachably retaining the cutters and spacers on the body, said means including a sleeve slidable on the body, a sectional ring adapted to be assembled in a groove in the body to project from the groove to engage the sleeve and hold it against longitudinal movement in one direction, a second sectional ring adapted to be assembled on the body between Va spacer and the sleeve tovretain the sleeve in engagement with the tirst-mentioned-ring and 10. A well tool of the character described including, a body, a series of spherically rounded parts on the body, annular cutters surrounding the said parts and rotatable in planes tilted relative to the axis of the body, the parts supporting the cutters radially, and spacers between the cutters supporting the cutters against longitudinal movement.

ll. A wellftool of the character described including, a body having a spherically rounded part, and a vcutter surrounding the body and supported on* the Vrounded part to rotate in a plane inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

l2. A well tool of the character described including, a shank, an assembly of cutters surrounding the shank and spacers between the cutters, a shoulder on the shank engaging one end of the assembly to hold it against longitudinal movement on the shank in one direction, and means for holding the assembly against longitudinal movement in the other direction including a sleeve slidable on the shank, a sectional ring assembled in a groove in the shank to engage one end of the sleeve, and a ring adapted to be arranged on the shank between the other end of the sleeve and the other end of the assembly.

13. A welly tool of the character described including, a shank, an assembly of cutters surrounding the shank and spacersv between the cutters, a shoulder on the shank engaging one end of the assembly to hold it'against longitudinal movement on the shank in one direction, and means for holding the assembly against longitudinal movement in the other direction including a sleeve slidable on the shank, a sectional ring assembled in a groove in the shank to fit into an internal groove in one end of the sleeve, a ring adapted to be arranged on the shank between theother end of the sleeve and the other end of the assembly, and an outer sleeve on the firstmentioned sleeve to extend over the secondmentioned ring.

ln witness that I claim the foregoinV I have hereunto subscribed my name this 1th day of July, 1930.

VAN J. KUBIN. 

